January and February might be the year’s slower shopping months, but retailers can expect to see a sales increase soon with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.

Research by the National Retail Federation found that the average person will spend $116.21 on Valentine Day’s merchandise this year — about 11 percent more than they did in 2010.

And this year, sticking with tradition seems to be key. After jewelry, clothing and dining out, consumers are expected to spend the most money on flowers, candy and greeting cards.

Flowers

For those looking for to make the “big gesture,” Grohman’s Greenhouse & Flower in Saginaw has helped incorporate engagement rings in several flower arrangements for past Valentine’s Day proposals, according to co-owner Dave Blenkhorn.

“That’s kind of the ultimate move there, but Valentine’s Day is a romantic day,” Blenkhorn said.

For those who aren’t quite to that point in their relationship (or who are way beyond that point), flowers alone can convey just as meaningful a message. And while roses are the ever-popular choice of the day, they’re not your only option.

According to Blenkhorn, mixed arrangements of Gerber daisies, lilies and spring flowers can also provide your sweetheart with a great show. For those who don’t necessarily want to go with the typical reds and pinks, Blenkhorn suggests brightly colored tropical flowers, such as orchids, birds of paradise or protea.

But remember: Bigger isn’t always better.

“A single flower can make a great statement,” Blenkhorn said. “You can often purchase a single carnation for about $1.25 or a single rose for anywhere from $3-$5.”

Candy

For those who want to further sweeten their Valentine’s Day gift, Laurie Marr, an employee at Lovegroves’ Cake and Candy Center in Swartz Creek, recommends making your own holiday treat.

“We get a lot of people coming in to make their own candy on Valentine’s Day,” Marr said. “A lot of them buy molds to make chocolate suckers for their kids’ classes. When you make your own chocolate candies, it’s homemade and just tastes more like real chocolate.”

According to Marr, chocolate-covered cherries and strawberries are among the more popular creations for the Valentine season.

Marr advises against using a fondue pot to make these.

“When you force direct heat against chocolate, it’s going to bake it,” Marr said. “The safest way to heat the chocolate is in a double boiler, where you’re melting the chocolate over water that’s not necessarily even boiling.”

Marr then recommends rolling the chocolate-covered fruit in a topping such as sprinkles. And as far as presentation goes, she notes that a three-tiered cake stand can work for both a party or one-on-one setting.

Cards

Finding a card that says it all can take time, according to Mary Casault, co-owner of Paperworks in Bay City.

“Some guys will be in here for a half hour to find the perfect words that express exactly what they want to express,” Casault said. “They tend to like the mushier stuff because that’s what they think the women want. ... After you’ve been married a few years, you might prefer to go funny.”

While the main focus for Valentine’s Day cards is on the husbands, wives and sweethearts, Casault has noticed a trend in buying cards now for the whole family.

“I think, 20 years ago, Valentine’s Day was solely a romantic holiday,” Casault said. “But now they include everyone. It’s just a nice day to remind someone you love them.”